Alpha Monocerotis is an orange giant 144 light years. The brightest star in Monoceros, it is only 3.94 visual magnitude.

Finding alpha Monocerotis shouldn't be difficult on a clear dark night. Using the naked eye, start at Procyon (alpha Canis Major), which you should have read about before visiting Monoceros.

Alpha Monocerotis is fifteen degrees (two binocular fields of view) due south of Procyon.

You can also draw a line between Procyon and Sirius, to the southwest. Now proceed down this line from Procyon two-thirds the distance, then move due east. The brightest star you'll encounter is alpha Monocerotis.

You'll note that you're nearly into Puppis, to the south.

Now, using the same method, go back to that line you drew. Instead of moving east to alpha, move west to beta, about the same distance and just a degree or two north.